This piece on my good friend @audreyously is looking great at 10 weeks.
I’m curious who’s coming this year.
yay!!! see you all there!
Cannot wait!
Hugs and butt touches for everyone!!!
man I really respect the answer you gave to that question and how you answered it! Most people approach that subject with ignorance, a harsh tone and cynicism. They respond with a "it's not a fucking Nazi sign idiot" forgetting that unfortunately atrocities have been committed under the misuse and perversion of that well meaning and peaceful symbol. Great job staying compassionate and informative all in the same. Blessings man.
Thanks!
I’ve noticed that in our society, and particularly in this anonymous Internet world that we all exist in, ignorance tends to beget ignorance. People don’t share information, they’re just like “duh, you should know that!”
But if we treat people who ask questions (even if they’re not asked with the purest spirit) well, and answer them thoroughly and without being a jerk, then they feel free to ask more questions, which is the key to learning.
Ironically, in Zen Buddhism a right facing swastika represents the Ura Manji, signifying knowledge and power. When facing left it represents the Omote manji, a symbol of love and mercy. The swastika itself is a balance of love and intellect- two things this world could use a little more of.
I've had my nose pierced twice and my septum done once.. It always gets infected even tho I cleaned it... Any advice?
AnonymousInfections tend to be caused by neglect and are actually quite rare in piercings. Normally, we equate a self diagnosis of “getting infected” as more of a misnomer for an irritated piercing.
Piercings can be irritated by improper / ill fitting jewelry, the piercing being placed poorly, improper aftercare, or any other number of things.
I had a client who’s nostril I pierced and they swore up and down it was infected because I had done something wrong. I asked how they knew it was infected and they told me it was because every morning they woke up with blood around it. (Bleeding is not a sign of infection… want to know what is? Click here) We spoke briefly about the client’s night time habits and came to find out she slept with her pillow wrapped in a knitted blanket from her grandmother. Well, yarn plus a prong set gem is bound to result in getting snagged, and that was the cause of the bleeding… not an infection at all.
An educated, reputable piercer should be more than able and willing to spend some time with you to try to pinpoint what the source of your troubles was and help you avoid them next time.
Happy Healing!!
why would you have swastika plugs?
AnonymousThe swastika is a symbol that is over 3,000 years old. Its use has been documented in almost every culture around the world. In fact, just the word “swastika” means “to be well”. The swastika is still a sacred symbol in many Eastern religions.
Why wouldn’t someone wear swastika plugs?
A little SoCal souvenir for @ecarppierces done during my stay at @anomalypiercing. #scarification #scar #mybodymod
Fresh 8g paired tragus piercings on @cskasper done at @anomalypiercing. Single flare glass plugs from Glasswear Studios.
Dear the all mighty and highly respected Richard. I was just wondering if you could share any hardships you went through in your career to get to the point you are now? Where there any moments where you kind of felt like just quitting? I am just curious since I am in a hard spot and look up to you and just looking for any kind of advice i suppose. You rule at everything you do and please don't stop!
Thanks for your kind words!
Hardships? I’ve seen about them. I had to work to support myself through college while simultaneously apprenticing to learn to pierce. I’ve done all kinds of crazy jobs, working security at strip clubs, bars, music venues… I picked up odd jobs, cutting grass, helping people move, anything to make a dollar and keep my schedule open so I could apprentice. Sixteen to 18 hour days weren’t uncommon.
The first few years of actually piercing weren’t easy either… being broke all the time, wondering where rent was coming from, not being able to hang out with friends because I couldn’t even afford gas to get there.
Hell, it even took a toll on my personal life. When you can’t hang out, people eventually quit inviting you. Girlfriends get tired of waiting on your dream to take off. Shit, when it does, they still are marginalized because you’re so busy enjoying the fruits of your labors and they feel they can’t compare. I’m married to my job. It’s not at easy thing.
All that being said, I wouldn’t change a thing. There’s nothing sweeter than finally having something you’ve always wanted. But success is an idea, not a destination. I still pour my heart and soul into my work. I stay in close contact with piercers I respect who I’m lucky enough to call my friends. I am constantly trying to learn more, re-engineer what I do, and help my colleagues do the same.
The Christian Bible tells a tale of two roads. One is broad and spacious and leads to hell. The other is narrow and cramped and leads to heaven. Adversity breeds success. Diamonds are made from unbearable pressure. Nothing worth having comes easy.
Best of luck on your journey, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s anything I can help you with.
Willy Wonka: But Charlie, don’t forget what happened to the man who suddenly got everything he always wanted.
Charlie Bucket: What happened?
Willy Wonka: He lived happily ever after.
